Visa students warned to J it cool in the US

IRISH students heading to the US on a J1 visa have been urged to consider laws regarding protests after a number of students were deported for pro-Palestinian activism.

- BY CATE MCCURRY & CILLIAN SHERLOCK

It comes after the Union of Students in Ireland warned its members to be "cautious" about the potential risks of becoming involved in activism while in the country over the summer.

Thousands of students will travel to the US on the special student visa which allows them to work and travel across the US for up to four months.

A USI spokesman said: "We urge students to be cautious and informed about the potential risks involved in activism while on a J1 visa.

"While activism is a vital part of student life and a right that should be protected, it is important students fully understand the possible consequences for their visa status, including the risk of deportation, and take steps to safeguard their participation in such activities."

Since Donald Trump became President, his administration has revoked hundreds of student visas, with some relating to activism and participation in protests, particularly those in connection to the Middle East.

In the most notorious incident, Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil had his permanent green card yanked.

A judge ruled he can be deported over his involvement in Columbia University's pro-Palestinian student protest movement.

Fellow Palestinian student at Columbia Mohsen Mahdawi went to an immigration office on Monday hoping to begin the final step to becoming a US citizen, but was instead led away in handcuffs.

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